Video: Tom Brady Sr. speaks about his 'Catholic journey'

The original Tom Brady - Tom Brady Sr. - stepped to the podium at St. Anselm's Church recently and talked about being a Catholic (and predicts 74-3 Pats win).

Kathy Uek

The original Tom Brady - Tom Brady Sr. - stepped to the podium at St. Anselm's Church recently and talked about being a Catholic.

Speaking after the gospel at the Catholic Mass for Men Thursday, the father of New England Patriots star quarterback quickly brought about 75 men to laughter when he admitted to at least one of the challenges of being a Catholic.

"How can I stand Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts?" asked Brady, referring to the Colts' star quarterback.

While the father of the quarterback admitted it was easier to talk about football, Brady Sr., who studied to be a Maryknoll priest for more than six years before he married, talked about the blessings and challenges of being a Catholic today.

"I am constantly confronted by everyday challenges," he said. Challenged by the "horrible things in the newspaper and on television," Brady finds "great sanctuary in (his) Catholic journey."

Brady's Catholic journey is also about taking action. "It's all about today," he said. "Taking steps today to make life better."

His journey includes taking action inside and outside of the family.

"To help people and reach out," he said. "The more I give out, the more I can put out. I'm no different than anyone else."

Relating to the fathers and husbands in the church, the father of No. 12 said, "I know I am happy, lucky and blessed to have my family," said Brady. "Family is a safe place. Family is a place of love ... No matter what, I'm going to be loved and those around me will be loved ..."

Football was close to everyone's mind. During the Mass the prayers of the faithful included: "For our favorite football team, the New England Patriots, that they may be strong in faith, confident in hope, and abounding with love for God and neighbor. We pray to the Lord."

Even the Rev. Brian Clary, when introducing Brady, made a football connection in the Mass with a quote from St. Francis de Sales that related to Patriots coach Bill Belichick's philosophy on playing the game.

"Do not look forward to what might happen tomorrow, the same everlasting father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either he will shield you from suffering or he will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings," Clary said.

After the Mass the men and their well-received speaker gathered downstairs to socialize and enjoy pizza, desserts, wine and beer.

Brady hit the hearts of many in the community, said Clary, who said the Mass.

"His message was genuine, honest and real," Clary said.

Many in attendance, including Kevin Dolan of Sudbury, related to Brady's message.

Dolan, the father of two young sons, said Brady's commentary about taking daily actions including commitment to family and community are part of being a good Catholic. Dolan's uncle, the Rev. Leo Shea, studied to be a Maryknoll priest with Brady. Shea is now a missionary in Jamaica.

After the talk, Brady reflected in an interview about the values he and his wife instilled in their son to enable him to persevere after being a sixth-round draft pick to becoming the National Football League's Most Valuable Player preparing for the Super Bowl.

"I think some of the values we tried to instill in home were honesty, integrity, hard work and love of family and love of work as well ... to be able to accomplish things in his life and to overcome obstacles," said Brady, sporting the diamond-studded Super Bowl ring his son won in 2002. "He has taken those values and was able to apply them in so many different areas of his life."

Strong values don't come without mistakes. The football star's personal life has been on public display, including the son Brady fathered with actress Bridget Moynahan, out of wedlock.

"I don't know anyone who hasn't fumbled in life," Brady Sr. said. "The last person who didn't was nailed to a cross. The strong values he learned helped him make a decision and move on with his life."

He related to others, said Jack Waters of Framingham.

"He has disappointments with family just like everyone else," Waters said.

While fans count the days until next Sunday's Super Bowl, many are anxious about the star quarterback's ankle.

"It's much to do about nothing," the elder Brady said. "That's not to say he wasn't hurt, but he's not restricted and he will be at the Super Bowl."

The eyes of Brady Sr. appear to be the most prominent feature he passed on to his son, but Brady added his son is a good mix of both parents.

"He's a wonderful son," he said. "He's the kind of son everyone would love to have. We have four wonderful children. One just happens to play football. I'm equally proud of all of them"

His prediction for next Sunday, when the New England Patriots face the New York Giants in the Super Bowl: "I think it's going to be 47 to 3 - Patriots."